California Law Proposes Paid Time Off For Parents To Attend School Activities

The lawmaker says low-income parents must often choose between their paycheck and involvement in their child’s education.

Many parents who are struggling to make ends meet know the dilemma of choosing between work and attending a school activity for their child. A proposed California law would make that decision a lot easier.

State Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) sponsored legislation that would allow employees to receive three paid days off each year to attend school activities for their children, KTLA.com reports.

“Being involved in your child’s education shouldn’t be limited by your family’s income, and it shouldn’t come down to a choice between meeting with a teacher or volunteering in the classroom, versus paying the bills,” he said in a statement, according to KTLA.com.

It would revise an existing law, the Family-School and Partnerships Act, which grants up to five days of unpaid time off. The proposed addition would require employers to pay on three of those five days.

In his statement, the lawmaker pointed to a study that says students get better grades and have fewer behavioral issues when parents are involved. But low-income parents are less involved mainly because of their work schedule, the TV station reported.

“You shouldn’t have to be a cast member of the ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ to be involved in your child’s education,” Gatto stated.

According to CNN Money, the proposed measure would exempt small businesses with up to 25 employees.

A spokesman told CNN that the bill will be sent for a committee hearing before receiving a full Assembly vote. If it passes, the state Senate would then consider the legislation.